Has the water quality in your area been poor as of late? Fret not, you can now easily filter the water coming to your house with a highly efficient water filter system. There is a huge variety of water filters available in the market, but identifying the right water filter system can be a bit of a daunting task. There are whole house water filter systems that filter the water in the entire premises and then there are water filters installed under the sink of kitchen or on counter tops. There are hybrid models available on the market such as Berkey water filters that can be used at home and as well as outside. If you are interested in buying such a water filter, then you should check out Berkey water filter consumer reports that cover the 5 best water filters from Berkey along with a comprehensive buying guide.
Reviews Of 5 Best Berkey Water Filters
1. Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter RB4X2-BB+PF2
If you are looking for a portable yet highly effective water filter system, then you should buy Royal Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter, which has a capacity of 3.25 gallons. This water filter is capable of providing filtered water to a family of up to 4 people each day. The water filter efficiently filters out all the typical contaminants present in the water, but make sure to use only Black Berkey Elements for flawless cleaning of water. You can use PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction elements side by side with Black Berkey Elements for absorption of fluoride, arsenic, and pre-oxidized arsenic along with other heavy metal ions present in the water. Black Berkey Elements are also long-lasting, as they can last for up to 6,000 gallons before you have to replace them. As far as PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements are concerned, then those will have to be replaced after 1,000 gallons of use under normal conditions.
2. Travel Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter BER-TU2+BER-PF2
Berkey brings to you another portable water filter system that you can use while traveling. The water filter system has a 1.5-gallon capacity that can easily meet the daily requirements of up to 3 people. The water filter is equipped with Berkey PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements that will efficiently absorb fluoride, arsenic, and pre-oxidized arsenic. Not just that, but these elements will also get rid of typical heavy metal ions present in the water. Black Berkey Elements are also long-lasting, as they can last for up to 6,000 gallons before you have to replace them. Whereas PF-2 Fluoride and Arsenic Reduction Elements will have to be replaced after 1,000 gallons of use under normal conditions. Make sure to use only Black Berkey Elements for maximum efficiency of the water filter system.
3. Imperial Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter With 2 Black Berkey Elements IMP6X2-BB
Check out this Imperial Berkey Gravity water filter that has a capacity of 4.5 gallons. It is perfect for a family of 4 to 8 people, but make sure to use it with Black Berkey Elements to get an increased flow rate. The water filter is capable of filtering typical materials present in the water sourced from rivers, lakes, and ponds. Black Berkey Elements are going to last for a long period of time, filtering around 6,000 gallons of water before needing replacement. The average cost of Black Berkey Elements is just 2 cents per gallon of water. The company uses various independent 3rd party labs to test a variety of typical contaminants present in the freshwater. The water filter system needs no electricity, tools, or plumbing, you can start using it after you receive the product.
4. Big Berkey Gravity-Fed Water Filter BK4X2-BB
This water filter has a capacity of 2.25 gallons, which is sufficient for providing clean water for up to 4 people. The water filter system features Black Berkey Purification Elements for increasing the flow rate. These elements won’t just filter the water, but purify it by targeting more than 200 contaminants in tap water or untreated water obtained from sources like rivers, ponds, and streams. Black Berkey Elements are going to last for a long period of time, filtering around 6,000 gallons of water before needing replacement. The average cost of Black Berkey Elements is just 2 cents per gallon of water. The water filter system needs no electricity, tools, or plumbing, you can start using it after you receive the product. With this water filter system, you can travel anywhere without worrying about how you would drink clean and purified water. This product is also ideal for emergencies, so make sure you have a system like this at your disposal.
5. Big Berkey BK4X2 Countertop Water Filter System BK4x2-BB-PF-2
If you are looking to buy a big Berkey that comes with stainless-steel housing, then here is one for you. The upper, lower portion, lid, and spigot are made from high-grade 304 stainless steel. You will also get a couple of Black Berkey filters and Fluoride Elements in the package. As far as the capacity is concerned, then it can hold up to 2.25 gallons at a time, which is perfect for fulfilling the requirements of up to 16 people. Each purification element included in the product has a lifespan of 3,000 gallons, which makes a total of 6,000 gallons for a 2-filter system. Each fluoride filter is attached to the stem of Black Element and works like post filters to filter up to 1,000 gallons.
How Does A Berkey Water Filter Work?
Berkey filtration devices consist of only 5 elements:
- A lid
- A container at the top
- 2 (or 4) filters
- A container at the bottom
- A faucet
It couldn't be easier to use:
- You pour undrinkable water into the top container
- You wait a few minutes for the water to pass through the filters and fall by gravity into the bottom container
- You open the tap to drink drinking water.
And that's all!
Constraints While Using Berkey Water Filter
- Requires a tap or syringe to prime the filters
When using the filters for the first time, it is mandatory to inject pressurized water inside to prevent air bubbles from compromising their effectiveness.
In the event of a water cut, it is impossible to use a tap to turn on new filters.
You will therefore have to use a syringe, but the handling is as simple as with the tap.
- Filters can tend to clog if the water is of (very) poor quality
After several thousand liters of filtered water, depending on the quality of the water, the filters can gradually clog due to residues.
But nothing could be simpler to avoid this: maintenance!
And we can't say that it is very bulky: a microfiber wipe every 6 months on the filters with clear water and the filters will be protected.
A Few Tips For Using The Big Berkey Filter
Tip #1 – Each time you drink filtered water, add water to the top tank. Thus, you will always have the maximum capacity of the Berkey available (8.5 liters).
Tip #2 – Read the instructions (don't be stupid). You might miss something important, like “You can damage your filters if you use hot water”. That would be a shame.
Tip #3 – Reread tip #2 and tell everyone in your family, it will save someone from being argued with. If you hadn't understood yet, I did something stupid, I admit.
Tip #4 – The more water there is in the upper tank, the faster the filtration takes place (yeah, it's a gravity filter…) so when you fill it, fill it completely. And make sure that the bottom tank is empty, otherwise, you will have your feet in the water.
Tip #5 – If you let water sit in the stainless-steel container for a few days, it will taste slightly metallic. It does not present any danger to you and you can drink it without problem, but know that if you are away for a few days, it is best to put your bottled water in the fridge to avoid this.
How To Clean A Berkey Filter
Cleaning a Berkey filter is a straightforward process:
- Disassemble the upper tank
- Unscrew the filters and rub them with clear water and a non-abrasive sponge
- The filters are re-primed in order to rid them of any residual impurities
- Clean the tanks (upper and lower) with a sponge and white vinegar
- Rinse the tanks with plenty of water
- The filters are reinstalled in the upper tank
And there you go!
Summing Up
Berkey water filters are known for their incredible build quality, excellent water filtration, and portable design. Now that you have gone through the reviews of Berkey water filter consumer reports, you can easily buy the right product and enjoy clean and filtered water at home or outside.
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